Every fall, Chicago Public Library (CPL) invites the city to come together through the shared experience of reading as part of its celebrated One Book, One Chicago program. Now in its 23rd year, this beloved initiative connects Chicagoans across all 81 CPL locations, fostering community and encouraging thoughtful dialogue through the collective act of reading.
"Chicago is a city that thrives on its diversity, and our stories are at the heart of that," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "One Book, One Chicago is a powerful reminder of the connections we can build when we share a story. This year's selection, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, offers us a chance to reflect on the importance of human connection in our ever-evolving world, and I look forward to the conversations it will inspire across our city."
Unveiled at the Harold Washington Library Center's Winter Garden, CPL proudly announces its 2024 selection: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Joining the announcement were Mayor Brandon Johnson, Library Commissioner Chris Brown, Library Board President Linda Johnson Rice, and Bank of America Market Executive June Cinimo.
“One Book, One Chicago is all about bringing our city together through stories, and this year’s selection, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, does just that,” said Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “It’s one of the most popular books at CPL for a reason—it embodies connection, discovery, and the joy of reading. We’re thrilled to see Chicago dive into this incredible novel and the vibrant programming we’ve designed to bring its themes to life!”
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a New York Times bestselling novel, lauded with numerous accolades including the 2022 Goodreads Choice Fiction Award, Amazon's Best Book of 2022, and recognition as one of the 100 best books of 2022 by both TIME Magazine and The New York Times. It was also spotlighted as part of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon's 2022 Book Club.
Beyond its critical acclaim, CPL selected Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow to highlight the importance of human connection and the enduring power of storytelling—both of which are integral to the Library's mission. CPL is a place of connection for Chicagoans of all ages, providing access to diverse stories that reflect our shared experiences. In alignment with these themes, CPL has curated a series of dynamic programs to immerse patrons in the book's world and themes.
From September through December, CPL will explore Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow through a variety of programming, including community conversations with thought-provoking Chicago leaders like Sylvia Ewing, Gamer-Writing workshops with Story Studio Chicago, music performances inspired by classic video game soundtracks in partnership with Old Town School of Folk Music, community cinema screenings of iconic video game-inspired films, and lectures on the history of video games in Chicago.
This season's partners include esteemed institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, which will display artwork that inspired the book's cover, The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai, alongside an artwork-related book discussion and an interactive gallery tour. The American Writers Museum will unveil a new exhibit on writing in games, featuring video game and tabletop game writers, as well as book talks and a film screening.
University collaborations include DePaul University, Northeastern Illinois University, Loyola University Chicago, and Harold Washington College, each of which has incorporated One Book, One Chicago programming into their curriculum.
"I'm deeply honored that my novel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, has been chosen for the Chicago Public Library's One Book One Chicago program," said Gabrielle Zevin. "Tomorrow is partially about the difficulty (and necessity) of making human connections in our age: I believe that community reads programs help connect people. When we read the same book, we become connected to each other through that shared reading experience. Maybe we love a book, maybe we hate a book — the point is, we discuss a book and in so doing, we learn more about the way our fellow readers see the world. I hope the readers of Chicago will love Tomorrow, and I look forward to my visit in November!"
The season finale event, featuring Gabrielle Zevin, will take place on November 14 at 6 p.m. Zevin will engage in a conversation about her career and the book, followed by a book signing session. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of our bookstore partner.
For complete program information and events, visit onebookonechicago.org.
The 2024 One Book, One Chicago program is made possible by Bank of America, United Airlines and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF). To learn more about how CPLF supports the Library's mission and offerings, visit cplfoundation.org.
About Gabrielle Zevin and Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Gabrielle Zevin is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, winner of the Goodreads Choice Fiction Award and named Amazon’s Best Book of 2022, as well as a Best Book of the Year by Indigo, TIME, The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, and more. Her other critically acclaimed novels include The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, Young Jane Young, and Elsewhere. Her books have been translated into over forty languages. She lives in Los Angeles. The book was also featured in The New York Times’s 2022 100 Notable Books and also voted #76 in the New York Times’s 100 best books of the 21st century.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (@chipublib), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).
About Chicago Public Library Foundation
The Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF) is an independent nonprofit that exists to accelerate the potential of our public library by investing in resources that transform lives and communities. Together with its civic-minded partners, CPLF makes pathways to learning, creativity, and civic engagement accessible to Chicagoans of all ages through investment across three funding priority areas: Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap; Activating Creativity & Connection for All; and Bridging the Digital Divide.
